30th Apr 2007, 07:01

My 2002 Grand Caravan with 78,000 miles has been pretty good. It served as a family transport, home remodeling service truck (the ability to carry sheets of plywood was proven), and has not left us on the side of the road. However we have had the A/C replaced twice (one recall, one at our expense), the passenger power window motor failed (warranty covered), a couple of brake services that seemed more extensive than expected, a problem in the electrical system (especially to the front power ports) and now the auto transmission is not shifting beyond first gear. The tow truck driver guessed the mileage because he's carried several Caravans at 80K to the dealer for new transmissions. I'm lucky that we have the 7 yr/100k mile power train warranty. It seems from the comments above that quite a bit depends on having the extended warranty and a reliable service department. However, I'm not sure I'll hang on to this van much longer, the nickel and dimes are getting to be hundreds and thousands this last year, much more than my abused 98 Dodge Ram. I doubt I'd go with a Grand Caravan again. Might look into the diesel Ram with Crew cab next time, the Dodge trucks seem more reliable than any of the passenger vehicles.

9th May 2007, 16:59

My 2002 Grand Caravan has has a number of "teething problems" - Three different times front calipers locked up and overheated front brake pads (all covered under the 3 yr 36,000 warranty) - Transmission front pump failed at <9,000 miles - good dealer response, though. Bushings in rear suspension dried out and noisy at <40,000 miles. (my dime), and alternator bearing failed (out of warranty) at about 40,000 miles.

3.0L V-6 runs well, and repaired transmission seems fine, but I'm worrying as I pass 60,000 miles about longevity, as I am now getting loud creaking in the front end when I turn left or right. I love my dealer (in eastern MA) but will probably buy a Honda or Toyota if another mini-van is in my future. My 2005 Honda Pilot has had zero defects in 24,000 miles, and I read that it's built similarly to their van. Nuff said.

1st Jun 2007, 19:08

We have a 2002 Caravan with 192000km's, that seems to carry numerous complaints to those also listed here. Front bushing have been replace 3 times, brakes replaced every 40000km's. The every light in the dashboard blew. Replaced a rad. Had to have the speakers in the front drivers side door rewired as the wires corroded through. Now the rear wheel bearings are starting to go. Oh and I haven't even mentioned the awful tires Chrysler has the nerve to put on it. Might as well be on racing slicks in the rain.

19th Jun 2007, 08:12

I also own a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport with an extended warranty package. Although I love the ride, I have had nothing, but problems with the van. I now have 145000 Km on it. I have replaced the front sway bar bushings twice (they need it again). I have replaced the tie rods once. At 106000KM my transmission blew (coverage ended at 100000), that cost me $2700. At 135000, the transmission went again. The dealer paid for labour, but I had to pay for the parts (another $700). I have had my brake pads replaced 3 times and my rotors once. Now the A/C doesn't work, I am afraid to find out what the will cost.

Dodge? NEVER AGAIN.

20th Jun 2007, 01:08

I hear the pros though mostly cons. I to drive a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport. It has now 77,000 K on it. Touch wood no problems as yet. Though if I had the problems such as many on this sight. Why do you still mess with the dealer even before and after warranty I would be writing a nice letter to the President and CEO of Chrysler. From past experience I have received remarkable replies. Don't mess with the average Joe at any of the Dealers, take it to the top. With especially now the last thing the big three needs is anymore dissatisfied customers. Logic if they don't start building a good vehicle or turn some of there problems around more people will turn to the Japanese or European cars.

8th Jul 2007, 11:04

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport.

I do most of my own work on cars and this is what I've done so far.

FRONT END CLUNKING NOISE.

1. thought it was in the strut; checked and it wasn't.

2. next checked sway bar bushings; they were fine.

3. disconnected sway bar link to make sure the noise was coming from the sway bar system; yes it was.

4. In doing this I found that the hole in the strut my where my sway bar link connects to it is bigger than the bolt that passes through it. Even when the nut is tight, the bolt can move up and down causing the clunking noise. I put a box wrench on the nut and an impact wrench with a torx bit that fit into the link bolt and really tightened it. No more clunking noise for me.

AIR CONDITIONING

A/C compressor clutch failed at around 60k miles - factory had extended coverage on the compressor so that was fixed for free.

FRONT BRAKE PADS

I installed ceramic brake pads and have had no problems with wear or dust any more. If you go to the parts store, buy the most expensive pad they have. You will get what you pay for - they cost twice as much as the regular pad, but are worth it, I think.

DRIVER SIDE WINDOW INTERMITTENT FAILURE GOING UP

Not fixed yet; that's what I'm doing on the web looking for clues to the problem. I suspect a relay or something although it could be the motor going out. Will have to ask around.

8th Jul 2007, 18:03

To 7/8/07, 11:04-

Hope this helps you, my 01 Grand Caravan had the same power window problem on the drivers side. Turns out it needed a new power window motor.

18th Jul 2007, 13:33

I also have a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, I just came from a mechanic. I hear the same noise another person heard, I'm going to print out what he said and take it my mechanic. My air compressor is completely gone. Does anyone know the cheapest place to get an a/c compressor? My side door lock on the driver side gets stuck. When I press my lock, it stays locked, and if I unlock it before I pull off, I have to lock it manually. I really love my car though, and it's roomy. I mean all cars are going to have problems, and the parts I usually have to buy are not very expensive.